The grass and trees moved gently in the cool wind but had waterdrops on them to make them shiny like diamonds the rain last night. Under a large oak tree, melli was meditating with eyes closed, trying to focus of all around her of light and darkness, She felt the warm sun rays beaming down on the land and her hair gently moving in the wind but she's used to it. After a bit, she slowly open her black eyes to look around now, seeing the wide grassland but she was thinking of her memories of her life now.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)

"Well, I, um. Normally, I would let us split the paycheck, and that was my moral. But, my morals have been refined ever since I turned 14 and a half. I'm now 16 and I've been going by this moral all the time. On dates, with friends, of course for myself. But, I intend to follow it now. And that moral is that, I'm treating you to a meal. I want to be kind to you, since, the gleam in your eyes reveal to me that you've obviously dealt with some pain in your life. The gentle tone of your voice is natural, soft and sweet, but, it tells me that you were taught to stay quiet, to hide emotion, to contain your thoughts. You, as a spirit were repressed. And I would know all of this because, I have been through much of the same. Don't worry I won't tell you of my life story, you don't need to know my past anyway, just know, I won't let anything bad happen to you."

I continued walking. I felt her questioning gaze look upon me with confusion as to how I walked. I only could smile lightly and continue walking comfortably as I were. This was how I walked. But then I spoke up again while laughing a little on the words in this sentence.

"After all, isn't that what friends are for?"

We continued to walk as another moment of silence, another beat passed between us. And for a minute or so there was nothing more to say until a ramen stand caught my attention. I pointed it out with my finger as my gaze followed.

"Yes, you are right, Utena but it's sweet of you so ramen sounds alright so okay to me."melli said quiet but smiled. Deep in her thoughts, she's half suprised or shocked to how Utena knew of her having a bad childhood; her losing her father, then her mother with the others, even not knowing of her twin sisters. As she thinks, her head begins to hurt a bit but she gently shook it a bit and ignored it when she called down, looking the same.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)

I rubbed the back of my head boyishly as I walked up to the counter with a stupid smile on my face, rather a more foolish one. The man whom stood behind the counter already knew me personally and thus he greeted me as such.

"Well, if it isn't the prince herself? How are ya?"

"Please, I'm no prince to you, we've been friends since forever Touga-san. Anyway, I'm here with my friend Melli, she looked hungry so I took her here."

"Smart choice, once again Utena. So, will it be the usual for you both?"

"Yes, please."

He catered to my request rather quickly as I looked back at her for a moment, smiled, and then turned my attention towards Touga and the guys cooking in the kitchen in back. The sweet aromas of the deliciously cooked food took its place in the air around us as I took a seat at the "set up" counter/table around the stand. I awaited Melli to join me in waiting, for, the food would be ready any minute.

Melli blinks and smiled to smell something so delicious in her life but saw Utena sitting down so she went and takes a seat too with a smile, hearing other people walk by, talking of their day or working.

"You know the cook here? I didn't know you knew him. Do you know other kind people here?"she asked with a smile.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)

"No, I only know him. Touga here has been my friend since we were very little and he grew up to the be the number 1 ramen chef I know. He even competed in competitions preparing all the different kinds of food, mostly different types of ramen. But, I figured this would be a special treat for you."

I smiled and chuckled a bit.

"And I grew up to become this, ... prince I guess you could say. Looks.. like I've achieved my dream. But, even so, being my best friend, almost like my brother in some ways, he still doesn't know everything about me. But, don't tell him that."

A made a sssh sound as I chuckled and looked Melli in the eyes as I spoke to her once more. After that I turned back to smile at Touga who smiled at me in return. The food was almost done.

at that but quietly giggled with a nod, thinking that was really cute but will keep it quiet between the two of them. While the smell of Ramen still filled her nose, she smiled at Utena feeling more happy and more calm than she was before meeting anyone in this new land. Now, she was thinking Utena could be another best friend to her in this land like others in their own homes back then.

"Well, I think it's great to how you grew up, Utena. I mean, even to looking like a Prince, you're still a good friend to have and know and everything."Melli said quietly while smiling still, looking at Utena's eyes again and hearing other people walking by or some chattering near by.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)

I smiled and the steaming hot bowls of ramen, freshly cooked were set in front of us with eating utensils as well, then looked at her, breathing in the fumes of the delicious meal, and then looking straight into the boiling ramen inferno.

"I'm pretty glad I turned out to be what I turned out to be as well. Otherwise, I don't know what I'd do with myself. Most don't know about my past, not even Touga-san. But, thank you, it's much appreciated."

Melli smile as she gently smell the aroma of the ramen in front of her. It smell too good to tell in words and now just waiting for her to eat but held the chop sticks before looking at Utena again with a kind voice.

"I can understand that but it's a good thing because you followed your own path. Also, Thank you, Utena and your welcome."she said happy but more people kept passing them as melli giggled a bit like a little girl.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)

"Of course. And boy, is it great to hear my name being used again. All I get is Prince this and that, but, it's nice to have someone say your actual name for once. But, as for my past, I'm glad you understand, but, it's not really that much of a big deal or a bother, so no worries."

I breathed in deeply the aromas of the sweet ramen that was sitting in front of me. Then, I hastily picked up my chopsticks and began eating the noodles, slurping them accordingly. I looked at her from the side as I bent down and put a noodle in my mouth.

"I don't see why others don't. I mean, you got a lovley name but I bet others will say it more too."she said happy before looking at her bowl.

"yay! lets eat!"melli giggled as a cheer, holding her chopsticks in her hands. Being careful not to spill any, she picked up a few noodles and blew on them gently to cool them down before putting them in her mouth, eating them. When she did. melli felt her taste buds do flips from how good it tasted to make her smile.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)

"Looks like someone's pleased. That's good, I like it when people smile. Makes me feel like I've done my job. Although not everyone used to call me a prince... they all used to call me Utena. Nowadays, that's all I hear, prince this and prince that since I became ... I'm actually a prince. I was adopted by a king in the kingdom a few miles over."

I made the fatal mistake of forgetting to blow on my ramen and thus picked up a big heap of noodles that were steaming hot and slurped them up rather quick. Then, stupidly, hurting my tongue.

"oh my, are you okay?"Melli asked while she was about to giggle a bit to that but stopped when she heard her saying of a king. Melli looked quiet at that but had the chopsticks on the table as she held the bowl to her. She bit her lip, thinking of the past of her family before shaking it off.

"so, you are royalty?"she asked a bit quiet while hoping no others knew of the light and darkness kingdom and it's story.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)

"Hmmm, I see but it's amazing at how much you can take. I mean, don't you get worried of happens so far in this world we live in? Also, I worry about any of my friends depending of what would happen to them...that includes you too since we just met today." Melli said to her but looking a little worried now since she didn't want anything happening to her new best friend Utena. She knew of the horrors of others that tries to take advantage of someone, no matter if your a girl, boy, or even royalty. Sighing, she kept looking at Utena still holding her chopsticks in her hands again.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)

I spoke abruptly into the silence, breaking it like a twig. As if it was nothing to be afraid of. But, I did understand what she was trying to ask me. However, that, I did have no fear of. I basically was fearless, except for that one... phobia of mine. My weakness.

"I'm afraid of nothing like that. I find it's much easier to breeze through life if you go with the flow of it, and see where it takes you. Life is like a sea, you're afloat on the surface of its waters. Things get bad, you drown, things look up, you learn to swim. It has its ups and downs, but, if you worry all the time you miss out on all the fun. Just live in the moment."

I took my noodles up in my chopsticks, then finishing the noodles and other substances of meat in the bowl, after that, proceeding to drink the broth that the ramen noodles and meat was sitting in pleasantly. I drank it rather quickly and sighed with an "ah" at the end, setting the bowl down on the counter. That was delicious.

melli kept quiet as she just finished up her ramen quickly but didn't choke. She begins think of what Utena said but now wonders of other things but thinking how brave she was now to make her envy utena.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)

I paid the bill that was handed to me adequately with a sum of money I seemed to pull out of my pocket, then place back the remainder once it was paid. I gathered the bowls in my hands and handed them to Touga, whom, over the counter, grabbed them from me gently and placed them neatly in the soaking water in the sink. His face bore a smile as he waved to us, leaving the ramen stand. I sighed and smiled as we walked through the town, having no clue of our destination.

"So, let's see, do you have any questions for me? It seems like I've been doing most of the talking."

Melli kept quiet as they walked out into the street but questions fulled her head a bit as she looked quiet. She wanted to ask the right questions and none that would make utena angry or anything.

"Well, this place was lovley to come to but do you know other places here that's amazing too?"she asked.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)

This time, I continued walking straight, no eye contact between Melli and I. My eyes were fixated to be straight ahead on my path. But, I sensed this... uneasiness. I spoke once more breaking the small pause of silence.

"You know, if you have something on your mind you should say it. A question, a comment or statement, anything. I'm not the type to get mad, so anything you wanna talk about is alright with me."

"Thank you and yes please, i would like to go to other places...if it's alright." She said while walking but then looked ahead of her as well then at Utena.

Melli kept quiet again while walking next to Utena but felt that her eyes were no longer on her; as if she was totally focused on the path ahead of her, ignoring the people walking by them or some watching them go by. She didn't want to be a bother to Utena or anyone but she was trying to not sound so obvious. Feeling calm and quiet, she decided to just ask her questions to Utena.

"Um, Okay. I don't know if this is my business but.....Don't other people make fun of you since you look like a male but you're really a female dressed in male clothing?"she asked.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)

I complied with her first request by nodding. But, the second question she answered me, I smiled to and sighed then.

"If you mean I get judgment or criticism for it, then of course I do. I mean, people size me up judge me, hate me, whatever sometimes, but I walk straight through it. But, most, most actually take the time to get to know me. And they see I'm kind and they wish to be my friend. Which I have no problem with. I may be a prince, and people may know I'm a girl, which brings everyone the question of how I am a female prince. Well, it's been my dream to become one for some time, I'm glad I finally am. I guess it was the strength in my character that gave me support of the many I have backing me now."

"Wow, that's really impressive Utena. Many I see when I travel would complain to what they don't have or might want. Now I see why I think your a good friend. You live up to your dreams, Always ready to try try and, moving on from things that might keep you back, and just being what you want to be. I'm really happy that you are who you are today." Melli said to her like a proud mother would be of their child but to melli, she was proud of Utena.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)

I could sense the pride radiating from her to me. Her eyes watched me with such dignity that I felt an air of sincere confidence about myself. A jolt of refreshing emotion. I smiled, I couldn't help it after all.

"Well that must be one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. That they were proud of me, and thanking me even for just being me and growing up to be the person I am today. I must thank you for your kind and thoughtful gratitude. You're a good friend too, Melli."

"you're welcome Utena,I'm just happy for me being raised right with manners but my words are true to what I think of you now for being my friend. Also thank you for your kind words. Anyone saying that to me makes me happy too."melli said with a small smile on her face.

_________________~*Darkness and light comes in many forms but both are always in all living things. People and others must cherish what they have or else be corupted by the raw energy of these two. Be careful of the side you choose for it will remain with you for the rest of your life. You have been warned*~

~Rose of the noble castle. Power of Dios that sleeps within me. Heed your master and come forth!~ (Anthy Himemiya; rose bride of current dueling champion)